Fragile Men
Osteoporosis, a stereotypical ‘woman’s ailment,’ affects males too.

By Linda Melone

   Osteoporosis has always been a threat to women—it afflicts 8 million females in the US. But this bone-thinning disorder is rapidly becoming recognized as a serious public health issue among men as well. In fact, more than 2 million men may be at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures, according to the National Institutes of Health. And 6% of them over age 50 will experience a hip fracture resulting from the disease.
   “Osteoporosis may not affect men as often as women, but the risk for men increases with age. And risk factors are similar to those of women,” says Pamela Taxel, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Connecticut Health Center in East Hartford, Connecticut. Dubbed a silent disease, osteoporosis often exhibits no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs, making early detection crucial...


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